The economics of software does not require patents. This is proved by the existence of free software (as opposed to, for example, free cars) that is often better than the proprietary equivalents. As an R & D it is hardly surprising that software benefits from the open approach similar to scientific research.

One clarification may be necessary. By free software I mean both software that is free in price terms, and open source software that is free to tinker with and redistribute. Even when sold, the redistribution clauses in open source licenses rule out profiting from patents.